Thoughts on Volunteerism
Volunteering is the theme for September’s Viewpoints on Aging and with President Obama’s framing of September 11th as a day of voluntary service as a way to remember the victims of 9/11, I encourage us to:
1) consider, plan and implement projects within our congregations each year for 9/11 that strengthen and enrich our communities. And, I’ll add a plug here for a volunteer activity based on housing needs of older adults, whether it be directly serving an older adult with yard work, or small home repairs or helping to plan a larger scale advocacy or awareness campaign.
2) list your service project at www.serve.gov
On a similar vein, I encourage us to reflect upon how we in the churches rely on volunteers to do the work of the church, to create communities of faith, and to love one another.
Who are our “workers”, our volunteers? Do they fall within a particular age group? (“betcha” most are over age 50!)
How do we prevent burn-out of the Same Few People Who Do All the Work?
How do we recruit new volunteers?
How do we acknowledge our volunteers?
How do we mentor our new volunteers? How can we welcome someone who offers to help but has no clue what and how to do a task you currently perform.
Do you ever hear this statement: “Help, I’d love to step back, I’m so tired, but no one wants to take on this task.”
I’d love to host a discussion on this very common plight.
Email me with your thoughts, reflections or concerns at pvs@esm.org or post a comment here.
Thanks!
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